Hungary Leaves the ICC After Netanyahu’s Visit

Hungary declared its decision to leave the ICC just hours after hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted for arrest.

Hungary declared its decision to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) hours after receiving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is presently the subject of an arrest request from the ICC. 

A top official in the administration of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Gergely Gulyas, made the announcement. Previously, Orban, a close supporter of Netanyahu, rejected the ICC’s arrest request, saying it would have “no effect” in Hungary. 

According to warrants issued by the ICC in November, there were “reasonable grounds” to suspect Netanyahu of “criminal responsibility” for suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu has called the decision “antisemitic.” 

As one of the original members of the ICC, Hungary is now among the few nations to deny its authority. The court still has 125 members, but major world powers including China, Russia, Israel, and the United States do not acknowledge its legitimacy. 

For the purpose of prosecuting those charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, the ICC was founded. Despite Israel’s non-member status, the court decided in 2021 that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza because the UN secretary-general recognized Palestine as a member state. 

The ICC is increasingly isolated as a result of Hungary’s withdrawal from its investigations into well-known international conflicts.